Free gigs series returns as part of Sonic Boom Festival

East Staffordshire Borough Council and Sonic Boom Music CIC have  confirmed the return of the popular Sonic Boom Festival Aftershock gigs, as part of the Sonic Boom Festival line-up for 2026.

When the free Main Stage in Burton Market Place falls silent at 8pm on Saturday 12 September, multiple venues across the town centre opening their doors for their own free gigs - keeping live music going into the early hours.  

No tickets or wristbands are required for the Aftershock gigs - meaning festivalgoers can venue-hop around town, each within a few minutes of Burton's Market Place.

Every Aftershock show has been curated with a different promoter or – with genres including indie, rock, electronica, folk and club music.

The Campus at Burton & South Derbyshire College has been confirmed as the first venue hosting an Aftershock gig, from 8pm.  

Zebedee, Willow Bay and Marseille will be performing in a live BBC Introducing East Midlands broadcast, hosted by Dean Jackson.

Pictured: Eighty Eight Miles performing at the Aftershock in 2025